MRO & Manufacturing
Singapore Invests in India Civil Aviation MRO Sector for Growth
Singapore partners with India to expand civil aviation MRO with new investments and policy reforms boosting capacity and jobs.
Singapore’s recent announcement of its intent to invest in India’s civil aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of bilateral relations between these two nations. This collaboration, highlighted during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s 2025 visit to India, leverages Singapore’s established MRO expertise and India’s rapidly expanding aviation market. The move is set against the backdrop of India’s policy reforms and the aviation sector’s robust growth, positioning both countries for mutual economic and technological gains.
India’s MRO market is currently valued at over USD 3 billion and is projected to more than double by 2030, while Singapore commands over 10% of the global MRO market. The partnership, anchored by SIA Engineering Company’s collaboration with Tata Group and Singapore Airlines’ significant stake in Air India, signals a strategic alignment of complementary strengths. This article examines the historical context, current market dynamics, policy environment, and future prospects of this emerging partnership.
The India-Singapore aviation relationship has matured over six decades, transitioning from basic connectivity to strategic industrial cooperation. Singapore’s rise as an aviation hub began in the 1970s, culminating in Changi Airport serving millions of passengers and a global network of destinations. Notably, in the 1970s, Air India provided maintenance support to Singapore Airlines, reflecting India’s early technical prowess in aviation maintenance.
Singapore’s dominance in MRO services was forged through sustained investment in infrastructure and a focus on partnering with global OEMs. Its status as a one-stop MRO hub with world-class facilities has attracted airlines from across the globe, capitalizing on its geographic position and regulatory environment.
India’s aviation sector, meanwhile, expanded rapidly post-2000, fueled by economic liberalization and surging domestic demand. However, the country’s MRO capabilities lagged behind, resulting in significant outflows of maintenance work to overseas hubs like Singapore. Historically, complex tax structures and regulatory hurdles made Indian MRO operations less competitive, but recent reforms have begun to reverse this trend.
Recognizing the need for a robust domestic MRO ecosystem, India has implemented critical policy reforms. The National Civil Aviation Policy of 2016 and subsequent liberalization of foreign direct investment paved the way for international collaboration and investment in the sector. The introduction of the MRO Policy 2021 further incentivized facility development by improving land leasing terms, removing airport royalties, and providing investment incentives.
One of the most consequential changes came in July 2024 with the implementation of a uniform 5% IGST rate on aircraft parts and components. This replaced a complex system of multiple GST rates, reducing operational costs and making Indian MRO providers more competitive globally. Additional measures, such as extended export and re-import timelines for repair goods, have further enhanced the sector’s attractiveness for both domestic and foreign investors.
These reforms are designed to support India’s ambition of fulfilling 90% of its MRO requirements domestically by 2040, significantly reducing the outflow of business and foreign exchange while promoting industrial self-reliance and job creation. “Singapore has very good experience and expertise in the area of MRO. And therefore, it is a very promising area for us to collaborate.” , MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran
Singapore’s MRO sector is mature, valued at USD 739 million in 2021 and growing steadily. It is home to over 130 aerospace companies and is responsible for more than a quarter of the Asia-Pacific region’s MRO output. Singapore’s comprehensive ecosystem, including ST Engineering Aerospace and SIA Engineering Company, provides a full spectrum of services and benefits from strong government support through initiatives like the Aerospace Industry Transformation Map.
India, in contrast, represents an emerging market with exponential growth potential. The aircraft MRO market is projected to grow from USD 3.04 billion in 2023 to USD 6.89 billion by 2030 (12.4% CAGR). Despite this, about 85% of India’s MRO business still goes overseas, primarily due to capacity gaps in high-value segments like engine and component maintenance. The government’s reforms and the aviation sector’s growth are expected to reverse this trend, making India an increasingly attractive destination for global MRO investments.
The partnership between SIA Engineering Company and Tata Group, underpinned by Singapore Airlines’ 25.1% stake in Air India, exemplifies the new era of bilateral collaboration. A 12-year component support agreement, operational from 2024, and the planned Bengaluru MRO facility (opening 2026) are concrete steps towards capacity building and technology transfer. The Bengaluru facility alone involves an investment of Rs 1,300 crore (approx. USD 156.8 million) and is expected to generate over a thousand direct jobs.
This cooperation is not just about filling capacity gaps, it is a strategic alignment that leverages Singapore’s technical expertise and India’s market scale. The partnership enables knowledge transfer, workforce development, and the creation of advanced MRO infrastructure in India. It also positions both countries to benefit from the regionalization of MRO services, a trend driven by supply chain resilience and cost optimization.
India’s ambitious fleet expansion, especially Air India’s order for 570 new aircraft, ensures predictable long-term demand for MRO services. The government’s focus on regional connectivity and the growth of low-cost carriers further decentralizes demand, creating opportunities for both domestic and international MRO providers to establish facilities across the country.
Singapore’s approach, partnering rather than competing, reflects a recognition that India’s MRO development is inevitable given its market fundamentals. By collaborating, Singaporean firms can maintain their relevance and capture value in the expanding Indian market, while India benefits from accelerated capacity building and access to global best practices.
Despite the optimism, several challenges remain. Regulatory approval processes, though improved, can still be complex and time-consuming for foreign investors. The need for a skilled workforce is acute, as the specialized nature of MRO work requires extensive training and certification. Infrastructure development, including reliable logistics and supply chains, will be critical to realizing the sector’s full potential.
Market consolidation is another factor to watch. Major Indian conglomerates and airline groups are positioning themselves to dominate the sector, which may increase competition for new entrants. However, this could also drive specialization and innovation, as niche MRO providers find opportunities in underserved segments. Technological advancement is both an opportunity and a challenge. Singapore’s leadership in automation and digitalization offers models for Indian MROs, but successful technology transfer and adaptation will require sustained investment and institutional support. The integration of digital supply chains, predictive maintenance, and advanced materials will be key differentiators in the coming years.
“The varying GST rates of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% on aircraft components created challenges, including an inverted duty structure and GST accumulation in MRO accounts. This new policy eliminates these disparities, simplifies the tax structure, and fosters growth in the MRO sector.” , Indian Civil Aviation Minister Kinjrapu Rammohan Naidu
Singapore’s investment in India’s civil aviation MRO sector is a landmark development with far-reaching implications. It brings together two complementary economies, leveraging Singapore’s expertise and India’s market growth to create a robust and competitive regional MRO ecosystem. The partnership is underpinned by policy reforms, strategic business alliances, and a shared vision for technological advancement and workforce development.
Looking ahead, the success of this collaboration will depend on effective implementation, continued policy support, and the ability to navigate regulatory and operational challenges. If managed well, this partnership could serve as a model for broader industrial cooperation and position both countries as leaders in the global aviation maintenance industry.
What is MRO in aviation? Why is Singapore investing in India’s MRO sector? What are the main benefits of India’s policy reforms for the MRO sector? What challenges does the India-Singapore MRO partnership face? How will the partnership impact employment in India? Sources:
Introduction
Historical Context and Evolution of India-Singapore Aviation Ties
Policy Reforms and Regulatory Changes in India
Current Market Dynamics and Bilateral Collaboration
Strategic Implications and Market Opportunities
Challenges and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. It refers to the activities required to ensure aircraft are maintained in optimal condition, including routine maintenance, repairs, and major overhauls of components and systems.
Singapore is leveraging its established expertise and global MRO network to collaborate with India’s rapidly growing aviation market. The partnership allows Singaporean firms to access new business opportunities while supporting India’s efforts to build domestic MRO capacity.
Key reforms include a uniform 5% IGST rate on aircraft parts, improved land leasing terms, and incentives for foreign investment. These changes have reduced operational costs, streamlined regulatory processes, and made India a more attractive destination for MRO investments.
Major challenges include regulatory complexity, the need for skilled technical labor, infrastructure development, and market competition. Addressing these will be crucial for the partnership’s long-term success.
The expansion of MRO facilities, such as the planned Bengaluru center, is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost local economies, and enhance skill development in the aviation sector.
ET Manufacturing
Photo Credit: ABP Live
MRO & Manufacturing
AkzoNobel Invests $58M to Modernize Waukegan Aerospace Plant
AkzoNobel commits $58 million to upgrade its Waukegan aerospace coatings facility, enhancing capacity and efficiency to meet rising air travel demand.
This article summarizes reporting by the Chicago Tribune and official announcements from AkzoNobel. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
AkzoNobel has announced a significant capital injection of €50 million (approximately $58 million) into its Waukegan, Illinois, facility, solidifying the site’s status as the company’s largest aerospace coatings production plant in the world. According to reporting by the Chicago Tribune and official company statements released in early January 2026, the project aims to modernize manufacturing capabilities and expand capacity to meet surging global travel demand.
The investment involves a strategic reorganization of AkzoNobel’s North American footprint. While the Waukegan site will focus on intensified manufacturing, warehousing operations are set to relocate to a new facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This shift allows the company to repurpose existing storage space in Illinois for production lines, directly addressing the need for higher output.
The upgrade focuses on what AkzoNobel describes as “Industrial Excellence,” a program designed to streamline operations through advanced automation and improved workflow. The Waukegan facility, located at 1 East Water Street, currently spans 11 acres and employs approximately 200 people.
According to details shared in the company’s announcement, the modernization will be executed in two phases. The primary goal is to enhance supply chain resilience in North America, offering shorter lead times for airline and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) customers.
The investment will fund the installation of state-of-the-art machinery intended to increase throughput and consistency. Key technical enhancements include:
The decision to expand comes as the aerospace industry prepares for a projected rise in global air travel. Airlines and manufacturers are increasingly requiring specialized coatings for both new aircraft deliveries and the maintenance of existing fleets. By moving finished goods storage to the new Wisconsin facility, AkzoNobel expects to significantly increase its production capacity for primers, basecoats, clearcoats, and custom colors.
Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, emphasized the strategic necessity of the move in a press statement:
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry. Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly over the next few years and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand with aircraft of the highest quality.”
Beyond raw capacity, the upgrades are designed to offer greater flexibility in production batch sizes. Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, noted that the improvements would directly benefit customer timelines. “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”
While the primary focus of the investment is operational efficiency, AkzoNobel has stated that the project aligns with its broader environmental goals. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 (using a 2018 baseline) and transition toward 100% renewable electricity. The new equipment installed at the Waukegan plant is expected to reduce energy intensity per unit of production, supporting these corporate sustainability targets.
The separation of manufacturing and warehousing is a growing trend among industrial suppliers facing land constraints in established industrial zones. By decoupling storage from production, AkzoNobel effectively unlocks new square footage for value-added manufacturing without the need to acquire adjacent land, which can be difficult in developed areas like Waukegan. This move suggests a prioritization of speed and volume, critical factors as the aerospace supply chain continues to recover and expand post-pandemic.
Sources: Chicago Tribune, AkzoNobel Official Announcements
AkzoNobel Invests $58 Million to Modernize Waukegan Aerospace Hub
Scope of the Expansion
Technological Upgrades
Strategic Context and Market Demand
Operational Flexibility
Sustainability Targets
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Wins 2026 JEC Award for Thermoplastic Wing Rib Innovation
Daher received the 2026 JEC Innovation Award for developing a thermoplastic wing rib that reduces weight, cost, and production time in aerospace manufacturing.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher.
On January 12, 2026, the French industrial conglomerate Daher was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2026 JEC Composites Innovation Award in the “Aerospace – Parts” category. The award recognizes the company’s development of a “Highly Loaded Thermoplastic Wing Rib,” a critical structural component designed to meet the rigorous demands of future single-aisle Commercial-Aircraft programs.
According to the company’s announcement, this innovation represents a significant leap forward in the application of thermoplastic composites. While previous applications were often limited to thinner, secondary parts, this project demonstrates the viability of thermoplastics for thick, primary aerostructures that must withstand heavy mechanical loads.
The award-winning component is a structural breakthrough for the aerospace industry. Traditionally, primary structures like wing ribs, which maintain the aerodynamic shape of the wing and transfer loads between the skin and spars, have been manufactured using aluminum or thermoset composites that require lengthy autoclave curing cycles.
Daher’s new rib is a thick laminate structure consisting of up to 64 plies, reaching a thickness of approximately 12mm. By successfully manufacturing a part of this density and complexity using thermoplastics, Daher has proven that the material can replace metal in the most demanding areas of an airframe.
The project was executed through a strategic consortium involving several key European partners, each contributing specialized expertise to the Manufacturing chain:
The success of the “Highly Loaded Thermoplastic Wing Rib” relies on the integration of two patented processes that streamline production and eliminate traditional manufacturing bottlenecks.
First, the rib utilizes Direct Stamping®, a Daher-patented process. According to the press release, this technique eliminates the intermediate “consolidation” step typically required between layering fibers (layup) and the stamping phase. By removing this step, the production cycle is significantly shortened, and energy consumption is reduced.
Second, the assembly utilizes Infrared (IR) Welding, a patent held by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). Instead of using heavy metal rivets or bolts to assemble the rib’s T-shaped profile, the partners used IR welding to create a continuous, integrated composite structure. This approach eliminates the weight of fasteners and improves the overall integrity of the part. “This JEC Award rewards our commitment to advancing composite technologies for aeronautics. We believe in it: by combining innovative materials and advanced processes, we demonstrate that it is possible to combine performance, competitiveness, and reduction of the carbon footprint.”
, Dominique Bailly, R&D Director at Daher
The shift to thermoplastics and the elimination of fasteners has yielded quantifiable performance improvements. Data provided by Daher highlights the following metrics for the new wing rib compared to traditional aluminum or bolted metal assemblies:
The significance of this award extends beyond a single component; it addresses the “holy grail” of next-generation aircraft manufacturing: rate. As Airbus and Boeing look toward successors for the A320 and 737 families, they face the requirement of producing wings at unprecedented rates, potentially 75 to 100 aircraft per month.
Traditional thermoset composites, while light, are chemically slow to cure, creating a bottleneck in the factory. Thermoplastics, which can be stamped, melted, and welded in minutes, are widely viewed as the necessary enabler for these high-rate programs. By demonstrating that thermoplastics can handle the structural loads of a primary wing rib, Daher is positioning itself as a critical supplier for the “Wing of Tomorrow.” Furthermore, the use of induction welding (seen in their 2025 Torsion Box project) and now IR welding suggests Daher is building a diverse toolkit of joining technologies to eliminate rivets entirely from future airframes.
Sources: Daher
Daher Wins 2026 JEC Innovation Award for Thermoplastic Wing Rib
Breaking Boundaries in Composite Manufacturing
Collaborative Development
Technical Innovations and Process Efficiency
Performance Metrics and Environmental Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
ASG Helicopter Services Launches Leonardo AW189 in Caspian Region
ASG Helicopter Services integrates the first Leonardo AW189 helicopter in the Caspian Sea region for offshore oil and gas support missions.
This article is based on an official press release from ASG Helicopter Services.
ASG Helicopter Services (ASG), a prominent aviation operator based in Azerbaijan, has officially integrated its first Leonardo AW189 helicopter into its fleet. The delivery, celebrated during a presentation on December 17, 2025, marks a significant operational milestone as the first aircraft of its type to enter service in the Caspian Sea region, covering Central Asia and the Caucasus.
According to the company’s announcement, this delivery is the first of two units ordered to support offshore oil and gas operations. The second unit is scheduled for delivery in early 2026. The acquisition was executed through a partnership involving ASG, the manufacturer Leonardo Helicopters, and Exclases Group, the exclusive distributor for Leonardo in the region.
The newly delivered AW189 has been supplied in a specialized offshore configuration designed to meet the rigorous demands of the energy sector. ASG Helicopter Services states that the aircraft is tailored for long-range transport and overwater safety, bridging the operational gap between the company’s medium-class AW139s and heavy-class Sikorsky S-92As.
The “super-medium” class helicopter features a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of approximately 8.3 to 8.6 tonnes and is configured to carry 16 passengers plus two pilots. Key safety specifications highlighted in the release include a main gearbox capable of a 50-minute “run-dry” operation, exceeding standard certification requirements, and a Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) to manage the challenging winter conditions of the Caspian region.
ASG Helicopter Services indicated that the introduction of the AW189 is part of a broader strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance service offerings for major clients such as SOCAR, BP, and TOTAL. By adopting the super-medium platform, the operator aims to provide a more cost-efficient solution for missions that require significant range and payload but do not necessitate the full capacity of a heavy helicopter.
Azer Sultanov, Head of ASG Helicopter Services, emphasized the importance of this acquisition for the company’s future operations:
“Next-generation helicopters represent a significant new era for ASG Helicopter Services. The integration of the AW189 helicopter into our offshore operations strengthens our capability to meet the evolving needs of customers in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.”
The company confirmed that the aircraft has already received all necessary registration and airworthiness certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Azerbaijan. The arrival of the AW189 in the Caspian region reflects a wider global trend in the offshore energy sector: the shift toward “super-medium” rotorcraft. For years, the industry relied heavily on heavy helicopters for deep-water transport. However, volatility in oil prices and advancements in avionics have driven operators toward aircraft that offer near-heavy payload capabilities with the lower operating costs of a medium airframe.
By securing the first AW189 in the region, ASG positions itself as a technological leader in the Central Asian market. This move likely anticipates stricter safety standards from International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), which increasingly favor modern airframes equipped with advanced terrain awareness and run-dry capabilities. We expect this acquisition to place pressure on regional competitors to upgrade their legacy fleets to maintain contracts with international oil majors.
The AW189 is powered by two General Electric CT7-2E1 engines, providing the necessary power for long-range missions to remote rigs. According to manufacturer data referenced in the report, the aircraft includes a suite of advanced avionics designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness.
ASG Helicopter Services, which already operates as an Authorized Service Center for Leonardo’s AW139 and AW109 models, will extend its maintenance capabilities to support the new AW189 fleet.
What is the primary role of the new AW189? How many passengers can it carry? When will the second unit arrive?
ASG Helicopters Services Introduces First Leonardo AW189 to Caspian Region
Operational Capabilities and Configuration
Strategic Fleet Modernization
AirPro News analysis
Technical Specifications and Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
The helicopter is configured for offshore transport, ferrying personnel and supplies to oil and gas platforms in the Caspian Sea.
In its current offshore configuration, the aircraft seats 16 passengers and 2 pilots.
ASG expects to take delivery of the second AW189 in early 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: ASG Helicopter Services
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